Unions accused of fear mongering on power sell off

Electricity unions in New South Wales are launching a campaign against any possible sell off of the state's electricity poles and wires, but the state government has dismissed it as fear mongering.

Steve Butler from the Electrical Trades Union says a union commissioned survey shows around 80 per cent of people believe the poles and wires should remain publicly owned.

Mr Butler says the union wants to raise awareness about any moves of a sell off by the State Government after the next election in two years.

"With the privatisation of the poles and wires side of the business there will be an increase in electricity prices, there is the spectre of major job losses throughout the industry especially in regional New South Wales where job losses can be least afforded," he said.

In a statement released by Premier Barry O'Farrell's office this morning, it says the unions' claims of a planned sell off is a scare campaign, and its commitment has not changed.

He says the NSW Liberals and Nationals went to the last election with a commitment not to sell the network's poles and wires.